Sean Strickland on Tougher Sparring Partner: Pereira or Ngannou

Strickland's Sparring Experience

Sean Strickland has trained alongside notable fighters during his UFC career, including former heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou and Alex Pereira, who recently moved up to heavyweight after vacating the light heavyweight title. As he prepares for UFC 328 on Saturday, Strickland shared his thoughts on which fighter posed a tougher challenge in sparring sessions.

Strickland's Assessment

During a press conference, Strickland acknowledged the difficulty of the comparison but ultimately stated that Pereira presents more challenges than Ngannou, despite Ngannou's remarkable power. He emphasized that Pereira, who fights at 205 pounds but possesses a heavyweight frame, is likely to thrive in the heavyweight division. Strickland explained that Pereira's speed and striking ability give him an advantage, especially when competing against less experienced opponents in the heavyweight category.

Contrasting Views on Heavyweights

Strickland's perspective contrasts with the common belief that natural heavyweights have a significant edge due to their size and strength. Concerns persist regarding Pereira's potential loss of speed and explosiveness as he adjusts to the heavier weight class, particularly with Ciryl Gane, known for his quickness, as a contender in the division.